GSK publishes new Tykerb data

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has announced the results of a phase III clinical trial, finding that that administration with Tykerb (lapatinib) in conjunction with Xeloda (capecitabine) in patients with HER2 (ErbB2) positive advanced breast cancer shows greater efficacy than treatment solely with capecitabine.

The findings, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, investigated the use of the compounds in patients whose cancer had advanced following earlier treatment with pharmaceuticals including Herceptin (trastuzumab).

Lapatinib, developed by GSK, is a small molecule dual receptor that inhibits the tyrosine components of the EGFR (ErbB1) and HER2 (ErbB2) receptors,

Charles Geyer, director of breast medical oncology at Allegheny General Hospital, commented that there were limited treatment options available for patients with metastatic HER2 (ErbB2) positive breast cancer following standard chemotherapy and trastuzumab treatment.

“There has been a clear need for alternative treatments to help women with metastatic breast cancer in this advanced setting. Lapatinib combined with capecitabine has demonstrated superior efficacy over capecitabine alone in this group of patients,” he said.

He added that the company was looking forward to providing this treatment to women suffering from breast cancer.

Earlier this month, GSK announced the start of the international Tykerb evaluation after chemotherapy trial investigating the efficacy of adjuvant treatment with the compound for the enhancement of disease-free survival in women with early-stage HER2 (ErbB2) positive breast cancer.